Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Preview

Panasonic has announced a powerful new long zoom digicam, the LUMIX DMC-LZ40. The camera boasts a whopping 42x optical zoom lens from a 22mm ultra wide angle lens with a build in Optical Image Stabilizer. The LZ40 also features a 20-megapixel CCD image CCD, 720p HD Video Recording, and a 3.0-inch LCD display. iA Mode (Intelligent Auto) offers newer users the ease of letting the camera automatically adjust its Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure settings for perfect pictures in almost any shooting conditions (CCD sensors aren't great in low light scenarios).

On the creative side of things, the LZ40 offers 15 Filter Effects for both Creative Control and Creative Retouch modes. Also, Creative Panorama mode not only takes ultra wide photos, but works with 13 Filter Effects. The LZ40 also features a 1250 mAh Li-on battery capable of shooting up to 320 pictures per charge.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ-40 Features

20-megapixel CCD image sensor

42x optical zoom lens

22-924mm, 35mm-equivalent

3.0-inch LCD display

720p HD Video Recording

iA Mode

Optical Image Stabilizer

Face Detection

Intelligent Scene Selector

Intelligent Exposure

Creative Control & Creative Retouch

with 15 Filter Effects

Creative Panorama

with 13 Filter Effects

1250 mAh Li-on Battery

capable of up to 320 shots per charge

Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.

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